The four-year-old pit bull mix, named Harley, is being held in quarantine at the Bergen County Animal Shelter while officials determine whether it should be deemed dangerous. Police say it left two 12-year-old boys with bite marks and puncture wounds on their buttocks and upper thighs after escaping from its yard on Valley Brook Avenue.

The boys, who were returning to nearby Lincoln Elementary School after their lunch at the time of the attack, were taken to Hackensack University Medical Center to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

According to Police Chief James O'Connor, the dog has been involved in at least two other incidents over the past three years.

On April 1, 2010, it bit an eight-year-old boy outside its home, O'Connor said. Although the boy did not require medical attention, the matter was referred to the township's health department.

Sometime in 2011, the dog attacked an adult male, in what O'Connor called a "pretty serious incident." The health department was again alerted, though the victim ultimately opted not to pursue any charges.

The dog's owner, Lorena Castillo, was cited following Tuesday's attack for failing to have it licensed and allowing it to roam. Both violations carry $250 fines.

If the dog is ultimately deemed dangerous, Castillo will be forced to either have it euthanized or build a series of fences at her home. A message left for her with a family member on Wednesday was not immediately returned.